How does online therapy work?

We primarily utilize the Zoom Video platform. Please refer to the Zoom guide for assistance in getting started. Prior to our session, you will receive a link. The session will proceed similarly to an in-person appointment, and we will share any necessary materials through screen sharing and email.

What is the cost of a therapy session?

A therapy session with us is priced at £130 and typically lasts 50 minutes.

How do I make payment for therapy?

Payments can be made upfront through our online portal before each session. An invoice is sent weekly.

I have health insurance; can I use that to pay for therapy?

No, unfortunately, we do not accept health insurance for payment of therapy sessions. You will need to settle the cost of each session directly.

When are sessions available?

We offer therapy on various days and evenings.

What will occur during my first session?

The initial two sessions will concentrate on fostering a mutual understanding of your challenges. We do not rely solely on diagnostic labels, such as ‘depression,’ as they provide limited insight into your personal experience. Consequently, we will inquire about your current life situation, your aspirations for change, and the outcomes you hope to achieve through therapy. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask about your psychologist’s approach. Together, we will devise a strategy to help you reach your objectives.

How long will therapy sessions be necessary?

Predicting the duration of therapy prior to our initial meeting is not feasible. Therefore, your first two sessions with the psychologist are dedicated to assessment. This will help us craft a plan that includes an estimated timeline for your therapy.

For moderate to severe anxiety issues, around 12 sessions are usually required, while milder issues may be addressed in about 6 sessions. As for depression, 16-20 sessions are recommended, though fewer may suffice if the condition is less severe. It’s important to note that therapy tends to be more effective when it’s consistent and conducted on a weekly basis.

Can you see me in person, or is therapy exclusively online?

All sessions take place online.

Teleconsultation eliminates geographical limitations and provides access to individuals such as Adult Third Culture Kids, digital nomads, corporate expats, foreign students, humanitarian aid workers, military personnel, retirees living abroad, repatriates, and trailing spouses. This is why we have chosen teleconsultation as a means to offer psychological support comparable to in-person sessions.

The advantages of teleconsultation include:

• the convenience of online appointment scheduling,
• saving time by eliminating travel,
• avoiding waiting rooms,
• the ability to seek support from anywhere,
• even during international travel or business trips.
• clients have the freedom to choose a location where they feel most comfortable, ensuring a sense of ease during sessions.
• Confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

Evidence supports the effectiveness of online therapy. There are common misconceptions about online therapy.

Myth number one suggests that online therapy is not as effective as face-to-face sessions and that patients may not benefit as much. However, systematic reviews have demonstrated that telemental health is an efficacious treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and physical health issues.

Myth number two claims that patients cannot develop a strong therapeutic relationship with their therapist online. However, numerous studies have shown that patients can experience a similar level of bond and connection with their therapist through various online mediums such as video calls, text message therapy, or email therapy. Just like in face-to-face therapy, there may be instances where the therapeutic relationship does not align perfectly, but there is no evidence to suggest that this occurs more frequently in online therapy compared to traditional in-person sessions.

Do I need any special equipment for an online counselling session?

All you need is a computer or smartphone. For an enhanced video call experience, a wired Ethernet connection is preferable as it tends to be more stable than wireless, which can be affected by thick walls or other users on the network. Additionally, using a headset or earbuds can make the call more private and improve the audio quality. You can download my guide for preparing for your video call.

How can I be sure that the online platforms you use are secured?

We use an encrypted, secure, and confidential email, messaging, and videoconference platform. We adhere to the same level of security demanded by European Union and NHS services, as well as meeting the stringent US HIPAA laws.

What happens if I cannot come to a session I’ve booked?

Please inform us at least 48 hours in advance. There will be no charge, and we can reschedule. If you cancel or do not attend your session with less than 48 hours notice, you will be responsible for the full fee of the session.

What happens if the technology goes down during a call, and we have to abandon the session?

Internet and technical glitches can occur, especially when working online. We take precautions to minimize these issues, such as using an Ethernet connection and modern computer equipment. However, if a technical problem arises during our session, we will attempt to reconnect. If the problem persists and we are unable to continue, we will cancel the session, and we will offer you another session free of charge if the problem occurred within the first 20 minutes of our session.

Will you keep my information confidential?

Yes, everything you discuss is kept confidential.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for storing sensitive information. We are legally obligated to protect your information and cannot share it with others. The only instances where confidentiality may be breached is if your psychologist believes that you are at risk of harm to yourself or others. In such cases, they may need to involve other professionals in your care, such as your General Practitioner or a family member. However, this will always be discussed with you beforehand. During your initial session, your psychologist will go over these agreements with you to ensure that you fully understand and give informed consent.

When working online, we adhere to European Union data protection laws and use only encrypted and secure platforms like Zoom. We take data protection seriously and follow professional practice guidelines from organizations such as HCPC, BPS, and BACP.

Can I “friend” you on Facebook or follow you on social media?

We maintain professional boundaries and do not accept friend requests or engage in social media interactions with current or former clients. This is to ensure confidentiality and maintain the therapeutic relationship.